U.S. Agency of the Year: Wieden + Kennedy's Work Resonated Even in a Divided America

From 'Dilly Dilly' to Colin Kaepernick, the indie shop dominated the conversation

Experience ADWEEK House at Cannes, June 16-19. We’re celebrating 45 years of reporting with Now and Next—a creative opportunity for brands to define who they are and their future in the industry. Register .

As 2018 draws to a close, Wieden + Kennedy co-president Colleen DeCourcy can finally exhale.

This past year saw the fiercely independent shop both courting controversy and reinvigorating core American brands like KFC and Delta—and somehow never losing its way. “We’re a company that’s at its best when we’re in the eye of the cultural storm,” DeCourcy says.

The agency’s wild ride effectively began on Super Bowl Sunday with a onetime throwaway line echoing through the stands as “Dilly Dilly” became “Philly Philly” and the Eagles’ upset of the New England Patriots turned into an unprecedented branding opportunity for Bud Light.

Courtesy of Wieden + Kennedy

Seven months later, W+K marked the 30th anniversary of advertising’s most transcendent tagline, “Just Do It,” with a

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Spring Special

Save 30% Off an ADWEEK Subscription Today!

View Your Options

Already a member? Sign in

Adweek magazine cover
Click for more from this issue

This story first appeared in the December 3, 2018, issue of Adweek magazine. Click here to subscribe.